Monthly Archives: April 2015

You may think that just because you’re in South America, the weather’s all hot and arid. Well, that’s partly true because most of the continent is located in the middle of the equator. However, if you’re looking for a place to relax and feel the icy freeze in the Americas, then there’s one that hits the jackpot: the San Rafael Glacier.

The San Rafael Glacier is located at the lower part of Chile, at the Laguna San Rafael. Accessible by both plane and boat, this site offers a mesmerizing winter paradise you would never expect in this country that’s known for being dry almost all the time.

The lagoon offers a number of vast, raging waterfalls and several creeks, all of which are topped with chunks of ice. You can have it mistaken for the Niagara, but it somehow it looks more majestic and offers more mystery.

So how come a glacier is present in Chile? Well, the lagoon is located at the southern tip of the country’s Patagonia mountain range, which is already near another continent, Antarctica. It’s more like the extension of the Antarctic, so the waters are icy all year round.

If you’re thinking of taking a Chile vacation, then this glacier is definitely worth a visit. It may not be part of your Chile tour, but if you have the time and luxury to extend your stay, then you might as well fly over to the lagoon in order to discover something new-and chill out with icy ambiance as well.

When going on a Colombia vacation, you should keep in mind that the people in this rural Latin American country are very conservative. Hence, as a tourist, you should know how to greet the locals and keep up with their values so that you won’t be considered rude.

Paying respect to the locals while you’re on a Colombia tour helps a lot especially when you’re in the country for a number of days. Not only will you be treated with great hospitality; you are also saved from the dangers of petty thieves and snatchers who usually eye on foreigners.

So, when in Colombia, here are three greetings that you may want to keep in mind:

Buenas. “Buenas” literally means “good” in Spanish, but unlike the usually greeting “hola,” in Colombia, and as well in other parts of Latin America, you greet locals with “buenas”.“Buenas diaz” means “good morning”, while “buenas noches” means “good evening”.

Ciao. When saying goodbye to your Colombian friends, you say “ciao”. Pronounced as “chow”, this term literally means “see you soon” or “’til we meet again”.

Fresco, fresco. If someone accidentally bumps into you, and says sorry, you should reply by saying “fresco, fresco”, which means “not a problem”. This reply is an indicator that you acknowledged the person’s apology.

Apart from the greetings, you should also make it a point to shake hands with new acquaintances when in Colombia. Shaking hands is a symbol of respect and friendship, which the locals would cherish for a long time.

There are many reasons to travel to South America. For one, it’s a continent where you will never get lost in translation. Two, each country has its own exotic landmark for you to explore. And three, it’s a continent that never sleeps.

But apart from the lively culture, breathtaking sights and the passionate art and style, there are many reasons for you to check out South America. Hence, here are some points that might just convince you:

Budget-friendly travel packages

Despite being a popular tourist destination, travel packages to South American countries remain to be affordable. This is because of the lower cost of living, relatively laidback lifestyles, and the fact that it’s much nearer than going to Europe. You can definitely find a package that allows you (and your partner, or family, or friends) to enjoy what the continent has to offer.

Delectable dishes to your heart’s delight

Even if the countries have been sharing cultures throughout history, South American countries do stand out individually over something-food! If you’re the certified foodie, then it’s a must that you travel to South American countries and enjoy their dishes, which have been a mix of native, local and Spanish and Portuguese influences. You wouldn’t want to miss foods that set your spirit free every time you take a bite.

Experience the thrill

Lastly, if you’re after the adrenaline rush, then South America is the place to be! You can go and ride the pampas like the gauchos, pass through the Amazon waters, trek the scenic routes, and even surf in warm waters-none of which can be found in other tourist destination on earth.